In the final weeks of each session, the House of Representatives operates under deadlines that guide the wrap up of a regular session This week marks the deadline for House bills to be debated in the House. With the House ending in a little less than three weeks, we are definitely in crunch time.

Last week, the House continued efforts to reform our foster care system. Over the past years, we have seen a growing crisis in the child protective services, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of the children in the foster care system. One of the most important things that we are doing this session is to reform the foster care system to make certain that the most vulnerable among us are being cared for.

Last week, I was pleased to pass SB 1289, which gives a preference for American made steel and iron in taxpayer funded infrastructure projects. This bill has provisions to make certain that taxpayers get the best possible value for money spent on iron and steel but also makes certain that our tax dollars are not funding Chinese and Indian steel that is being produced in violation of international trade agreements. I am proud to author is legislation to provide a level playing field for Texan and American steel producers.

The House also took up important legislation to reform the Houston and Dallas municipal, fire, and police pension systems. While some outside of Houston and Dallas question the importance of shoring up these pension systems, it is important to appreciate that we are still at a point in time where we can fix these systems without the state having to step in fiscally. If we had not passed these reforms, it would be very likely that the state would have had to step in and shore up these funds with state tax dollars.

One of the bills that I signed onto this week was HB 1911, the constitutional carry bill. You may have heard or seen misleading information regarding my stance on HB 1911, but I want to make it clear once and for all: I have always supported and fought to defend the expansion of our 2nd Amendment rights and will continue to do so as long as you continue to trust me to be your State Representative.

If you ever hear a third party make allegations about where I do or do not stand on an issue, I would encourage you to contact me directly regarding my positions. If you have any issue that is important to you or an issue that you would like more information about, you can reach me at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.texas.gov.